Edson Buddle, the Colorado Rapids' new striker, tested his surgically repaired knee on Tuesday and remains hopeful that he'll be ready for the season opener.

Buddle, acquired from the Los Angeles Galaxy in the offseason, had surgery last June on a torn meniscus. He returned to the field in September but had to have his knee drained multiple times and made only five starts the rest of the way.

Tuesday's test was his first significant workout since tweaking the knee in January while training with the U.S. national team.

"Of course, we haven't talked about not missing the first game of the season," Buddle said via the league's website. "There's nothing wrong with (the knee); I just think it needs to strengthen around it.

"I've got to get fit. I feel the altitude."

The Rapids need him back in form. Especially after the team's all-time leading scorer Conor Casey and his longtime partner Omar Cummings both exiting this offseason.

"He got his last injection and we're in the recovery process, but it looks very good," Rapids coach Oscar Pareja said Tuesday. "We think he's a possibility for the opener. We need him for the whole season, not just one game."